Lightpath Expands AI-Grade Network Footprint in Greater Columbus

Rhea-AI Summary

Lightpath (NYSE:ATUS) announced an expansion of its AI-grade network in Greater Columbus, Ohio, adding approximately 150 route miles of high-density fiber and more than doubling its regional fiber footprint. Engineering and phased construction are underway with route completion beginning end of 2026 through mid-2027. The build combines underground multi-conduit systems and high-count fiber to support metro and regional long-haul AI deployments.

This expands Lightpath's Midwest presence, complements recent Phoenix and Eastern Pennsylvania projects, and leverages a recent low-latency route acquisition between NYC and Ashburn, VA.

Positive

• 150 route miles of high-density fiber added
• Regional fiber footprint more than doubled
• Phased route completion starting end of 2026 through mid-2027
• Supports connectivity to nearly 200 data centers
• Links to nationwide AI corridors including NYC–Ashburn route

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Columbus expansion length: approximately 150 route miles Construction window start: end of year 2026 Construction window end: mid-2027 +2 more

5 metrics

Columbus expansion length approximately 150 route miles Additional high-density fiber added in Greater Columbus project

Construction window start end of year 2026 Phased route construction completion start for Columbus expansion

Construction window end mid-2027 Targeted completion of phased Columbus AI-grade build-out

Connected data centers nearly 200 data centers Lightpath metro and regional systems across major U.S. markets

Operating history over 30 years Duration enterprises, governments, and educators have used Lightpath

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.79 Vol: Volume 3,782,010 is close...

normal vol

$1.79 Last Close

Volume Volume 3,782,010 is close to 20-day average 3,934,635 with a relative volume of 0.96x pre-announcement. normal

Technical Shares at $1.79 are trading below the $2.43 200-day MA and sit close to the 52-week low of $1.74 and well under the 52-week high of $3.20.

Peers on Argus

Before this AI network expansion, ATUS was up 1.13%, while key telecom peers lik...

Before this AI network expansion, ATUS was up 1.13%, while key telecom peers like CABO, LILA, LILAK, SIFY, and GOGO also showed gains between 0.89% and 2.62%, but no peers appeared in the momentum scanner.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Nov 06 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Nov 06	AI fiber expansion	Positive	-3.7%	Announced 100 route miles of AI-grade fiber across Greater New York region.
Nov 06	Name/ticker change	Neutral	-3.7%	Corporate rebranding to Optimum Communications with new NYSE ticker.
Nov 06	Q3 2025 earnings	Negative	-3.7%	Reported revenue and EBITDA declines plus a $1.6B non-cash impairment.
Oct 01	Earnings call notice	Neutral	-3.3%	Scheduled Q3 2025 earnings call and outlined access details for investors.
Aug 27	AI infra expansion	Positive	+1.7%	Planned 130 route miles of AI-grade fiber in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Pattern Detected

Recent AI infrastructure announcements have produced mixed single-day reactions, with one notable selloff on positive AI news but generally modest moves around AI and corporate updates.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, ATUS has combined network-focused AI infrastructure news with corporate and financial updates. AI-tagged releases in Phoenix, Columbus, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Greater New York highlighted multi‑hundred‑mile fiber builds, while Q3 2025 results showed revenue and EBITDA declines plus a large non‑cash impairment. A corporate name and ticker change aimed to align with the Optimum brand. The current Columbus AI‑grade expansion extends this ongoing build‑out strategy in another key data center corridor.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement extends Lightpath’s AI-grade footprint in Columbus by about 150 route miles, reinf...

Analysis

This announcement extends Lightpath’s AI-grade footprint in Columbus by about 150 route miles, reinforcing its role in connecting hyperscale data centers across key U.S. corridors. It follows earlier AI infrastructure moves in Phoenix, Columbus, Eastern Pennsylvania, and New York. Investors may track construction milestones through 2026–2027, utilization of the enlarged network, and any related disclosures in future earnings or regulatory filings to gauge how effectively these builds translate into revenue and profitability.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Project strengthens Lightpath's leadership in delivering ultra-high scale fiber infrastructure required to connect multiple new AI data center deployments in the Columbus region.

NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightpath, an all-fiber, infrastructure-based connectivity provider that is revolutionizing how organizations connect to their digital destinations, announced the expansion of its AI-grade network in Greater Columbus, Ohio. This latest project adds approximately 150 route miles of high-density fiber to the initial network announced earlier this year, more than doubling Lightpath's fiber footprint across the region.

This success-based expansion reinforces Lightpath's growing presence in the Midwest and its strategy to deliver the next generation of network infrastructure purpose-built for AI-driven workloads. Engineering and construction are already underway, with a phased route construction completion beginning end of year 2026 through mid-2027.

"Columbus is well established as a leading U.S. destination for data center and AI investment," said Chris Morley, CEO of Lightpath. "Our continued expansion in this market reflects both the scale of hyperscale demand and Lightpath's commitment to meeting it with proven quality, speed and agility."

Lightpath's Greater Columbus network builds on their recent announcements in Phoenix and Eastern Pennsylvania as well as its acquisition of a unique, low latency, high-count route between NYC and Ashburn, VA, advancing the company's nationwide initiative to interconnect key AI and hyperscale corridors. The expanded network combines new underground, multi-conduit systems with high-count fiber capacity designed to support both metro and regional long-haul applications.

"By expanding our fiber footprint in Columbus, we're strengthening Lightpath's position as a trusted partner to hyperscale, carrier, and large enterprise customers across the region," said Tim Haverkate, EVP of Major Infrastructure Solutions, Lightpath. "This expansion sets the stage for continued growth and new AI-grade connectivity opportunities throughout the Midwest."

Lightpath now operates dense metro and regional fiber systems across major U.S. markets including New York, New Jersey, southeast Connecticut, Boston, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Eastern Pennsylvania, Miami and Columbus—connecting nearly 200 data centers enabling next-generation workloads across the AI economy.

About Lightpath

Lightpath is revolutionizing how customers connect to their digital destinations by combining our next-generation network with our next-generation customer service. Lightpath's advanced fiber-optic network offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom-engineered connectivity solutions with unparalleled performance, reliability, and security. Our consultative customer service means we work with you to design, deliver, and support the solution for your unique needs, faster and more easily than ever before. For over 30 years, thousands of enterprises, governments, and educators have trusted Lightpath to power their organization's innovation. Lightpath is jointly owned by Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners.

To learn how Lightpath can connect you to your digital destinations, visit lightpathfiber.com

For media inquiries:

JSA for Lightpath

1-866-695-3629 ext. 13

jsa_lightpath@jsa.net

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lightpath-expands-ai-grade-network-footprint-in-greater-columbus-302629579.html

SOURCE Lightpath

FAQ

What did Lightpath (ATUS) announce on December 2, 2025 about Columbus?

Lightpath announced an expansion adding about 150 route miles of AI-grade fiber in Greater Columbus, more than doubling its regional footprint.

When will Lightpath's Columbus routes be completed for ATUS investors?

Engineering is underway with phased route construction completion beginning end of 2026 through mid-2027.

How does the Columbus expansion affect Lightpath's network reach for ATUS?

The build adds high-count fiber and underground multi-conduit systems, strengthening regional and long-haul AI connectivity across the Midwest.

Does the Columbus project tie into Lightpath's other network investments for ATUS?

Yes; it complements recent Phoenix and Eastern Pennsylvania projects and a low-latency route acquisition between NYC and Ashburn, VA.

How many data centers does Lightpath connect that support AI workloads?

Lightpath now connects nearly 200 data centers across its dense metro and regional fiber systems.